Director of Engineering and Public Works

Job Responsibility:

Director of Engineering and Public Works

Engineering and Public Works Department

Full-Time, Exempt, Permanent

April 30, 2025

The City of Fernie invites applications from qualified, experienced, persons for the full-time, exempt, permanent position of Director of Engineering and Public Works.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Engineering Public Works (Director) leads a team focused on the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of City assets. The Director oversees the services provided for water, wastewater, drainage, transportation, fleet, solid waste management, and technical services including engineering services, project engineering and related project management, and the cemetery.

The Director is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and will take a lead role alongside colleagues in advancing the delivery of Council's strategic priorities, asset management and sustainable service delivery, and maintain a focus on a safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment.

The Director is required to liaise with all levels of government and external agencies and maintain a working relationship with City Council, Administration, and all departments within the corporate structure as well as with local community groups, businesses, and the development community.

AUTHORITIES

The Director will take any reasonable action necessary to carry out the responsibilities assigned to them, provided such action demonstrates sound judgment, and does not deviate from prescribed municipal policies or bylaws, or approved municipal practices and procedures.

The Director may delegate portions of their job responsibilities to members of the Department but may not delegate or relinquish responsibility and accountability for the performance of their function.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

The Director will:

• Authorize and organize the establishment of departmental goals and associated staff positions.
• Oversee and manage the department human resources functions including recruitment, selection, training, performance management, conflict resolution, discipline, and termination of employees within City guidelines and consultation with Human Resources and the Chief Administrative Officer.
• Advise elected representatives on policy questions and refer major policy matters to these representatives for final decision.
• Make presentations to Council and other committees regarding policies, programs, and budgets
• Recommend, review, evaluate and approve documents, briefs, and reports submitted by managers and staff members.
• Participate in developing or amending policies, programs, and procedures.
• Administer the city's funds according to the approved budget and monitor its financial expenditures.
• Make overarching organizational decisions, considering fiscal realities and departmental structure.
• Represent the City at local, regional and national meetings and conferences.
• Direct staff in responding to matters of concern from constituents and the general public.
• Develop, implement, and monitor long-term plans, goals, and objectives focused on achieving the city's mission and council priorities
• Develop recommendations to enact, amend, or repeal policies, bylaws and regulations.
• Attend council meetings and provide information for Council to consider in their decision making.
• Communicate with Council on internal and external issues that affect the organization.
• Review subdivision, land use and development applications for technical and servicing requirements.
• Develop preventative maintenance programs for all areas under responsibility.
• Oversee engineering studies or contracts for the City.
• Supervises consultant's work; inspects projects and invoicing. Prepares ongoing status reports on key projects.
• Directs input to the preparation of, and revisions to, the Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaws, servicing agreements and other planning documents or bylaws.
• Cultivate a work environment committed to the health, safety, and wellness of all employees.

These key duties are general descriptions of the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job

VALUES

Directors are expected to champion the City of Fernie's Corporate Vision, Mission, and Values, embedding these principles in their leadership approach and team operations to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement:

Vision

An inclusive workplace where people are supported, excited and proud.

Mission

Prioritize a healthy and respectful organization that enables quality service delivery.

Core Values

• Safety and Wellness
• Initiative
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Teamwork

Required Qualifications

• P.Eng, A.Sc.T or equivalent and/or MBA or an advanced degree in public administration, or a related field
• Ten years of progressive experience in a management role, preferably in public administration
• Appropriate certifications or licenses
• Knowledge of advanced principles and practices of public administration and local government administration
• Ability to develop and administer city-wide goals, objectives, policies, procedures, bylaws, work standards, and internal controls
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable legislation and government policies
• Significant experience with policy development and implementation
• Ability to identify and respond to sensitive community, organizational, and city council issues, concerns, and needs
• Experience with budget preparation and management
• Intuitive grasp of organizational structure to manage cross-departmental and cross-disciplinary resource allocation
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills
• Strong formal and informal leadership skills

Work Conditions

• Moderate overtime, primarily to address after-hour Public Works emergencies, and periodically for Council Meetings.
• Interaction with employees, management, consultants, constituents, and the public at large.
• Operation of desktop computer and peripherals.
• Working in a busy environment with frequent interruptions.
• Combination of office-based work, as well as field supervision.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The above description reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions and duties as required for proper evaluation of the job and will not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job. Employees may perform other related duties and tasks as required to meet the needs of the operation.

The City of Fernie offers competitive benefits and a competitive salary depending on the applicant's experience and abilities. The Director of Engineering and Public Works is a full-time (35 hours/week), permanent, Exempt position. Salary bands for this exempt role are considered at a Manager 4 level, ranging from $122,800-$141,000 per year depending on education, certifications and experience, supplemented with competitive benefits and pension, and will receive the higher benefits between the CUPE Local 2093 and IAFF Local 2827.

JOB POSTING